Beam status
MCR News
05 May 2026 16:16
Beam on.
05 May 2026 16:03
RIKEN has been cleared for beam.
05 May 2026 15:05
There is a Synchroton Kicker cable fault in the inner sync. Experts are
currently investigating. The repair may take several hours.
Update @ 17:00
05 May 2026 11:56
N6(A&B) IRIS and OSIRIS now cleared for Beam
05 May 2026 11:52
S1 MAPS now cleared for Beam
05 May 2026 09:13
S6 MARI now cleared for Beam
05 May 2026 08:32
E1 ZOOM now cleared for Beam
05 May 2026 07:51
Beamlines cleared for beam:
S2 VESUVIO
S3 SXD
S4 MERLIN
S7 GEM
S8 ENGIN-X
S9 PEARL
MUON
HIFI
MuSR
EMU
N1 SANDALS
N2 ALFRED
N3 SURF
N4 CRISP
N5 LOQ
N7 POLARIS
N8 TOSCA
N8A INES
W1 CHIPIR
W5 IMAT
W6 LET
W7 NIMROD
NILE
E2 SANS2D
E3 POLREF
E4 INTER
E5 OFFSPEC
E6 LAMOR
E8 WISH
Beamlines awaiting Rad surveys, will be completed shortly
S1 MAPS
S6 MARI
MUON
RIKEN
N6 IRIS/OSIRIS
N9 EMMA
E1 ZOOM
04 May 2026 22:57
Machine update:-
TS1 Beam Current: 148.6µA at 40.0Hz
TS2 Beam Current: 38.7µA at 10.0Hz
TS1 Methane Temperature: 112.3K
TS1 Hydrogen Temperature: 22.2K
TS1 Muon Kicker: On
TS2 Decoupled Methane Temperature: 62.9K
TS2 Coupled Methane Temperature: 13.0K
TS2 Coupled Hydrogen Temperature: 18.2K
04 May 2026 20:27
Machine update:-
Machine physics experts are still working to reduce the vacuum losses
whilst optimising beam to both Targets. We have steady 196uA beam, but the
beam may still be fluctuating on and off for the next few hours. Update
23:00hrs.
04 May 2026 17:59
Next update @ 20:00
04 May 2026 17:58
Machine setup is going fairly well, although a slight vacuum rise has been
seen in the HEDS. Physicists are currently working on the issue and Beam
maybe a bit intermittent until the problem is resolved.
Any beamlines still requiring rad surveys will be done as soon as Beam is
more stable.
04 May 2026 17:58
Machine setup is going fairly well, although a slight vacuum rise has been
seen in the HEDS. Physicists are currently working on the issue and Beam
maybe a bit intermittent until the problem is resolved.
Any beamlines still requiring rad surveys will be done as soon as Beam is
more stable.
04 May 2026 16:09
The issue with Modulator 3 has been fixed. Machine physicist started setup
approximate 1 hour ago and has gone well so far. The Beam will slowly be
increased in intensity and optimised to normal running levels.
Update on progress @ 18:00
04 May 2026 13:50
The Ion source is now fixed and running.
We are currently experiencing problems with tank 3 filaments and an
equipment expert is attending to investigate.
Update in 2 hours.
04 May 2026 10:19
Overnight we had an issue with one of the EPB 1 Dipole magnet power
supplies, this has been fixed. The beam status page, which was not
updating is also running correctly now.
We are still having issues with the Ion Source, experts are in working on
the problems currently.
Update @ 14:00 or sooner if more information becomes available.
03 May 2026 23:04
Machine Update:-
We have a problem with EVB2 and the Ion source. Experts are on route to
assist with repairs. Further updates will follow.
03 May 2026 20:02
Machine update:-
40 Hz and 10 Hz beam have now been established to TS1 and TS2 respectively
at an intensity of 174uA. The vacuum levels in the ring are elevated and
still pumping down after the kicker repairs. Synchrotron beam intensity
will be increased gradually over the next 24 hours as the vacuum levels
allow.
03 May 2026 17:43
TS1 Beam Current: 71.5µA at 20.0Hz
TS2 Beam Current: 17.0µA at 5.0Hz
TS1 Methane Temperature: 113.0K
TS1 Hydrogen Temperature: 22.0K
TS1 Muon Kicker: Off
TS2 Decoupled Methane Temperature: 56.6K
TS2 Coupled Methane Temperature: 13.0K
TS2 Coupled Hydrogen Temperature: 17.7K
03 May 2026 17:30
Beamlines cleared for beam:
S2 VESUVIO
S3 SXD
S4 MERLIN
S7 GEM
S8 ENGIN-X
S9 PEARL
MUONS
03 May 2026 15:12
Beamlines cleared for beam;
N1 SANDALS
N2 ALF
N3 SURF
N4 CRISP
N5 LOQ
N7 POLARIS
N8 TOSCA
N8A INES
E2 SANS2D
E3 POLREF
E4 INTER
E5 OFFSPEC
E6 LARMOR
E8 WISH
W1 CHIPIR
W5 IMAT
W6 LET
W7 NIMROD
NILE
03 May 2026 14:09
We do currently have base rate beam but the graph on the ISIS beam status
page is not currently working. Staff are looking at it and will implement
a fix ASAP.
03 May 2026 12:13
Low rep rate beam to targets. Beam will be increased as and when machine
tuning allows.
03 May 2026 11:04
Overnight there was a successful repair made to the extract kicker cables.
All equipment is now back on except the injection dipole. This is on but
we are running it up to full current slowly due to vacuum levels. Machine
physicists are on site ready to start tuning as soon as the vacuum has
settled.
02 May 2026 19:21
Over the last few days we have had an on going problem with the
Synchrotron Kickers, expert are still in working on the issues currently.
As a result machine setup has also not progressed as expected. Updates
will to follow when more information is available.
28 April 2026 10:59
Attention:
Beam to the Synchrotron Room Beam Dump has ceased. Access is now allowed
to the SRBD prohibited areas.
27 April 2026 12:14
Attention:
Beam to the Synchrotron Room Beam Dump has been established. No Entry
barriers and signage in and around R6 should be observed at all times.
27 April 2026 11:41
Attention:
Beam to the Synchrotron Room Beam Dump will commence at 12:15 hours
27/04/2026. This mode of operation may increase the risk of exposure to
radiation to individuals in the R6 north ‘Bat Cave’. In 15 minutes time,
at 11:55 hours, access to R6 north ‘Bat Cave’, Tunnel 3 stairs to R6 and
the Chalk Pits areas will be prohibited until further notice. Tensator ‘No
Entry’ barriers and signage have be erected to indicate prohibited areas
and names of individuals ignoring these barriers will be recorded.
Any problems please call the ISIS Main Control Room on ext. 6736
30 March 2026 08:30
User run ended
29 March 2026 08:18
Beam back to both Targets @ 08:00
29 March 2026 07:49
The diagnostics issue in the linac has been fixed. Expert is currently
working on the Kicker problem.
29 March 2026 06:23
We have beam transmission through Tank 1 and the Kicker power supply has
been repaired. We now have a problem with the beam toroid readings in the
injector which prevents us from running. We are contacting a diagnostics
specialist for support.
29 March 2026 04:07
Tank 1 is conditioned and the Vacuum is good. However we are having issues
getting beam through because the RF field is collapsing. It appears this
may be a timing problem which we are investigating. We are also having
issues with one of the Synchrotron Extract Kicker power supplies which we
are looking into. Update at 06:00 Hours.
29 March 2026 00:46
Conditioning of Tank 1 is progressing reasonably. We estimate we will get
it within normal running conditions over the next two hours.
28 March 2026 23:51
Tank 1 Vacuum has recovered well and an RF Specialist has started
ISIS operating schedule
Our upcoming operating schedule. Cycles begin/end at 08:30 on the date specified.
| Cycle | Start | End | Target station(s) | Maintenance day(s) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026/1 | 05 May 2026 | 12 Jun 2026 | TS1 & TS2 | 20 May 2026 | - |
| 2026/2 | - | - | - | - | Cycle cancelled |
| 2026/3 | 15 Sep 2026 | 23 Oct 2026 | TS1 & TS2 | 30 Sep 2026 | - |
| 2026/4 | 17 Nov 2026 | 18 Dec 2026 | TS1 & TS2 | 02 Dec 2026 | - |
| 2026/5 | 02 Feb 2027 | 12 Mar 2027 | TS1 & TS2 | 17 Feb 2027 | - |
ISIS operating schedule - future years
From April 2026 to March 2027, we expect to run four cycles which will be allocated in proposal rounds 26-1 (deadline October 2025) and 26-2 (deadline April 2026).
We plan to have an extended shutdown for accelerator and beamline work from March to early September 2027. This would mean no proposal round in autumn 2026, and a round opening in March 2027 to allocate time from September 2027 to March 2028.
Machine physics schedule
Accelerator physics experiments are performed before and after each user run. The latest schedule can be seen by clicking this text.
| Date | Shift | Mode | Rep Rate | Task | Contacts | Notes |
| 27/4/26 Monday | 00:00–08:30 | 4B | MS/32 | – | – | – |
| 27/4/26 Monday | 08:30–14:00 | 4B | MS/32 | Initial Injector Setup | HVC, HR | – |
| 27/4/26 Monday | 14:00-16:30 | 4B | MS/32 | Pulse shape references | LEBG, BK | – |
| 27/4/26 Monday | 16:30–00:00 | 4B | MS/32 | Synchrotron Setup | BK | – |
| 28/4/26 Tuesday | 00:00–08:30 | 4B | MS/32 | – | — | – |
| 28/4/26 Tuesday | 08:30–14:00 | 4B | MS | Synchrotron Setup & EPB1 Alignment | HVC, SK | – |
| 28/4/26 Tuesday | 14:00-16:30 | 4B | MS | Ring Profile Monitor Amplifier Tests | ISKG, Diags | Inner Access Required |
| 28/4/26 Tuesday | 16:30–00:00 | 4B | MS | LLRF RFQ Control Tests | AS, DA | – |
| 29/4/26 Wednesday | 00:00–08:30 | 4B | MS | – | – | – |
| 29/4/26 Wednesday | 08:30–14:00 | 5 | MS1/32, MS2/8 | Synchrotron Setup & EPB2 Alignment | BK, EA | – |
| 29/4/26 Wednesday | 14:00-16:30 | 5 | MS1/32, MS2/8 | Synchrotron Setup and LEBT ML Tests | REW, RB | – |
| 29/4/26 Wednesday | 16:30–00:00 | 5 | MS | Synchrotron Setup | DJA | – |
| 30/4/26 Thursday | 00:00–08:30 | 5 | MS | – | – | – |
| 30/4/26 Thursday | 08:30–14:00 | 5 | MS | Synchrotron Setup | HVC, SK | – |
| 30/4/26 Thursday | 14:00-16:30 | 5 | MS | BLM Head Amp Tests (EPB2) and R5IM Amplifier Test | JFG, SS, SK | – |
| 30/4/26 Thursday | 16:30–00:00 | 5 | MS | Synchrotron Setup (or do SRM Studies if possible) | CMW, EA | HEDS Chopper Required |
| 1/5/26 Friday | 00:00–08:30 | 5 | MS | – | – | – |
| 1/5/26 Friday | 08:30–16:30 | 5 | MS | Synchrotron Setup | BK, DK | – |
| 1/5/26 Friday | 16:30-18:30 | 5 | MS | EPB1 BLM investigations | JFG | – |
| 1/5/26 Friday | 18:30–00:00 | 5 | MS | Synchrotron Setup and Chopped Measurements | HVC, CJ | HEDS Chopper Required |
| 2/5/26 Saturday | 00:00–08:30 | 5 | MS | – | – | – |
| 2/5/26 Saturday | 08:30–16:30 | 5 | MS | Synchrotron Setup | BK, SK | – |
| 2/5/26 Saturday | 16:30–00:00 | 5 | MS | Synchrotron Setup (or MS/32 Intensity Studies) | DJA | – |
| 3/5/26 Sunday | 00:00–08:30 | 5 | MS | – | – | – |
| 3/5/26 Sunday | 08:30–16:30 | 5 | MS | Synchrotron Setup | HVC, EA | – |
| 3/5/26 Sunday | 16:30–00:00 | 5 | MS | Beamline Surveys | HP Section | – |
Previous cycles
| Cycle | Start | End | Target station(s) | Maintenance day(s) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/5 | 17 Feb 2026 | 30 Mar 2026 | TS1 & TS2 | 4 Mar 2026 | |
| 2025/4 | 18 Nov 2025 | 19 Dec 2025 | TS1 & TS2 | 03 Dec 2025 | |
| 2025/3 | 09 Sep 2025 | 17 Oct 2025 | TS1 & TS2 | 24 Sep 2025 | |
| Cycle cancelled | |||||
| 2025/1 | 29 Apr 2025 | 06 Jun 2025 | TS1 & TS2 | 14 May 2025 | |
| 2024/5 | 18 Feb 2025 | 28 Mar 2025 | TS1 & TS2 | 05 Mar 2024 | |
| 2024/4 | 19 Nov 2024 | 20 Dec 2024 | TS1 & TS2 | 04 Dec 2024 | |
| 2024/3 | 17 Sep 2024 | 20 Dec 2024 | TS1 & TS2 | 04 Dec 2024 | |
| 2024/2 | 09 Jul 2024 | 09 Aug 2024 | TS1 & TS2 | 05 Mar 2024 | |
| 2024/1 | 23 Apr 2024 | 31 May 2024 | TS1 & TS2 | 08 May 2024 | |
| 2023/5 | 13 Feb 2024 | 22 Mar 2024 | TS1 & TS2 | 28 Feb 2024 | |
| 2023/4 | 14 Nov 2023 | 19 Dec 2023 | TS1 & TS2 | 29 Nov 2023 | |
| 2023/3 | 19 Sep 2023 | 20 Oct 2023 | TS1 & TS2 | 04 Oct 2023 | |
| 2023/2 | 27 Jun 2023 | 04 Aug 2023 | TS1 & TS2 | 12 Jul 2023 | |
| 2023/1 | 25 Apr 2023 | 26 May 2023 | TS2 Only (TS1 Commissioning) | 10 May 2023 |